Series at a Glance

After struggling in his opening day start against the St. Louis Cardinals, Sheets was much better against the Astros on Saturday. The 25-year-old right-hander allowed four hits over six scoreless innings in a 6-1 win.

“I haven’t been this excited for a long time, because I’ve struggled for as long as I ever have in my career,” said Sheets, who was 11-13 last season. “Maybe it’s partly because I’ve been embarrassed the way things are going. It was a great day today.”

Since dropping his first two decisions against the Astros in 2001, Sheets has beaten them seven straight times. Houston first baseman Jeff Bagwell said he never saw Sheets better than he was Saturday.

“He was great today,” Bagwell said. “It’s the best I’ve ever seen him. He’s pitched some good games against us. He had an overpowering fastball and curveball against us today.”

“He had command of all his pitches today and that was evident,” Yost said. “He threw a fantastic game. He really pitched great.”

The Brewers had lost three straight before beating the San Francisco Giants 3-0 on Wednesday. Wes Obermueller allowed three hits in 6 2-3 innings and had an RBI single to help Milwaukee avoid a three-game sweep.

Since getting shut down by Sheets on Saturday, the Astros have won four straight. Wade Miller pitched seven scoreless innings Wednesday, and Lance Berkman homered for the second straight game to lead Houston to an 11-1 rout of the St. Louis Cardinals.